After 20 years on tour, Wawrinka is keen to finally play in Perth

Swiss tennis great Stan Wawrinka says he is looking forward to taking on some of the best players in world during the 2026 season despite announcing this upcoming tour would be his last.

Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka will represent his country at the United Cup in Perth next year.Credit: AP

After arriving in Perth to play for his country at this year’s United Cup at RAC Arena, the three-time major winner is looking to climb up the world rankings to finish his career off in a way that he chooses.

While Wawrinka has visited Australia many times throughout his career, including winning the Australian Open back in 2014, he said it was the first time he had the opportunity to come to Perth.

“I have been many times to Australia over the past 20 years, but never to Perth, so it is great to be a part of the United Cup here in Perth,” he said.

“I am still playing some good tennis, and hopefully I can have some good results in 2026 and finish on a good note.”

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Wawrinka said he has had plenty of time to consider his decision to retire and believes he still has what it takes to be a serious competitor on the court.

“Over the last few months I have had time to decide whether it will be my last year or not,” he said.

“For me it is quite clear. I am happy with the decision – I am feeling at peace with that.

“One year is a long time, there is hopefully still a lot of tennis to play and hopefully at a good level.

“I still have goals. Hopefully, I can come back into the top 100 and finish with a grand ranking at my age.”

Despite being on the professional tennis circuit for two decades, Wawrinka said he was still able to find unique moments to enjoy and challenges to look forward to.

“Starting here in Perth is special for me because I have been 20 years on tour, and it is not every week you get to play in a new tournament in a new city and this week is going to be the case, so I am looking forward to it,” he said.

“Of course I am still passionate about the game and about the sport I love.

“I still hope I can have some good results. I want to finish my career on a good level and still be able to play those top guys.

“I want to play the full year and I want to play the main tournaments, but we will see where I am in a few months.”

Tournament director Stephen Farrow said the arrival of many of the big name players from overseas for the competition had lifted the excitement around the United Cup.

The United Cup begins on Friday at RAC Arena, with Spain to face Argentina during the day before Greece take on Japan in the night session.

Australia will kick off its tournament against Norway at night on January 3 in Sydney.

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